Annabel Lyon said in an interview on CBC that she had a lot of fun writing this novel, even though the book is generally described as dark and disturbing. It does have a light touch for a literary novel, and is short and easily readable. Lyon, who teaches creative writing at the University of British Columbia, is adept at using few words to convey a lot.
The themes of the novel are reflected in the title. Lyon looks at various meanings of consent and not only in the sexual sense. She particularly explores the role of those who have been forced into being caregivers in their families. She says it can be a very loving and wonderful thing, but can also be a burden that is terribly difficult to talk about. Two parallel stories about two sets of sisters alternate in this novel, marked by tragedy. Of course at some point the stories converge. This is a thoughtful novel, was long-listed for the 2020 Scotiabank Giller Prize, and though I wish there had been a bit more redemption in it, I would recommend it for book clubs because there is a lot to discuss and discover. Here are the two storylines:
Saskia and Jenny are twins who are alike only in appearance. Saskia is a hard-working grad student whose interests are solely academic, while Jenny, an interior designer, is glamorous, thrill-seeking, capricious and narcissistic. Still, when Jenny is severely injured in an accident, Saskia puts her life on hold to be with her sister.
Sara and Mattie are sisters with a difficult relationship. Mattie, the younger sister, is affectionate, curious and intellectually disabled. As soon as Sara is able, she leaves home, in pursuit of a life of the mind and the body: she loves nothing more than fine wines, sensual perfumes, and expensive clothing. But when their mother dies, Sara inherits the duty of caring for her sister.
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